Doubts Washed Away by the Rain

The rain slowed, and people began to emerge from their homes.

Even so, Frings soldiers still patrolled the streets, their presence a constant reminder of the unrest.

Inside the Blue Emberfox Guild...

"Ah, it's already 5 PM."

"Let's go home," one of the guild members muttered, stretching lazily.

"No, let's wait for him," another replied, eyes fixed on the door.

"What? You're really going to wait for that kid?"

"I bet he's stuck somewhere and will just continue tomorrow." A few laughed, shaking their heads.

The door creaked open.

A figure stepped inside, dripping wet, with two heavy sacks held by his shadow hands and a massive sword strapped to his back.

He dropped the sacks on the floor, panting softly.

"Ah... Sir Rethrus! You really did it!" Jazzer's eyes widened, disbelief clear in his tone.

"Yeah... uhm... here." Rethrus caught his breath and handed over a worn, sinister-looking sword. "An Undead Knight's blade."

Gasps filled the room.

"How did he beat a knight... without a single scratch?" Crowd murmured.

Rethrus didn't stop there. He reached into one of the sacks and pulled out an item—a fiery crystal that pulsed with heat and a shimmering soul core from his sling bag.

Jazzer blinked, almost dropping them. "W-What? You brought these back...?"

Rethrus nodded and placed the remaining devices and tokens beside them.

"By the way... no egg this time," he added, his tone calm but firm.

Jazzer's awe didn't fade. "That's fine. These three items... they're more important." He turned to one of the guild members. "Hey, you! Take the loot to the back."

As the sacks were hauled away, all eyes remained on Rethrus.

"Uhm... anyway, the money?"

"Ah, yes."

"Jazzer, give him the money and let him go already."

Rethrus took the pouch, gave a quick nod, and left the guild. The murmurs behind him didn't stop—people were still stunned by his strength.

"Damn... and he did it alone."

Rethrus made his way to the charioteers waiting outside. He pulled out a few coins and handed them over.

One gold each

The charioteers' eyes widened.

"Uhm... sir, this is way more than you promised."

"It's fine. You did great."

"Sir... you know one gold equals a thousand silver, right?" one of them asked, hesitant.

"Yeah," Rethrus replied casually. "It's my thanks for staying with us all this time."

Then, leaning closer, he whispered, "And remember... I was the only one in that chariot. Got it?" His tone was firm, leaving no room for doubt.

"Yes, sir. You were the only one in the chariot," the charioteers nodded in unison.

"Good. Now... Can someone give me a ride home?"

"Ah, sure!"

"Anyway, before we go home, let's head to the market."

"Aye, sir."

In the market, Rethrus bought food and some small gifts. Then, he headed to the park where children were playing.

He handed out the gifts, watching as their faces lit up with joy.

A few Frings soldiers nearby noticed the scene, observing him silently.

After a while, Rethrus returned to the chariot.

"I envy how you never think about money, huh?" the charioteer remarked with a chuckle.

"Yeah. Being famous has its merits," Rethrus replied casually.

"Oh, to be young again... I just hope you stay as helpful to the kingdom, sir. Especially since you're our future."

"Yes, I will."

They arrived at the inn, and Rethrus went straight to see Mrs. Hilda.

The moment she saw him, Mrs. Hilda pulled him into a tight hug, her voice filled with worry.

"Oh, boy... Some soldiers from the Frings family came here asking about you," she said, concern etched on her face.

"Don't worry, ma'am. I just went to clear a dungeon."

"A dungeon? What? Where are your wounds?"

"Relax, I'm fine." Rethrus smiled, handing her the food and gifts.

"Here, I bought some things for dinner... and something for you and Mr. Eddie."

"Rethrus, you're back!" Mr. Eddie's voice echoed from behind.

"See? I told you he'd be fine," he said, glancing at his wife.

"Anyway, I know you're tired. Sit down and relax. Hilda will cook for you."

"Yeah, yeah," Mrs. Hilda added, her smile warm and genuine.

Rethrus looked at them, his heart feeling a pang of longing.

'How I wish... I could really have them as my parents.'

"Don't forget to take a bath. You're soaked!" Mrs. Hilda called out.

"Yes, ma'am," Rethrus replied with a grin.

On his way to his room, a group of unfamiliar faces approached him, eager for an autograph and a picture.

"Hey, sir! I heard you beat two purple dungeons alone!"

"Ah... kinda." Rethrus gave a half-smile, not wanting to make a big deal out of it.

After taking a quick bath, he stepped into the other room.

"You took long enough," Gerard said, arms crossed as he leaned against the wall.

Rethrus tossed a pouch of gold his way.

"Eight gold?" Gerard's eyes with discontent.

"Yeah, yeah... You'll get the rest after all of this is done. Now, I need you to get ready. You're gonna be heading to see Eri and Kaeli. You remember the place, right?"

"Of course. You threatened my life there," Gerard muttered, shaking his head.

In the streets, the rain was still falling slowly.

Gerard sat quietly in the back of a chariot, his hood pulled low over his face. The steady rhythm of the wheels rolling through the cobblestones filled the silence.

'Damn it... these golds are more than enough already. Tsk... why do I have to follow a kid?'

The chariot slowed near a crowded area, and Gerard tapped the driver lightly.

"Drop me off here," he muttered.

"Here? But sir, it's still raining..."

"Just do it."

Gerard stepped down, blending into the crowd as the drizzle soaked through his robe.

'If the Frings family finds out... it'll be the end of me.'

As he walked, he passed a group of soldiers. His instincts kicked in, and he quickly pulled his hood lower to hide his face.

'Tsk... the rain really sets the mood, huh?'

His thoughts drifted.

'Should I just go to the next village? I don't owe that kid anything...'

But he kept walking.

'But what if he hunts me down? With his strength... and connections... he'll catch me.'

His steps slowed, but he didn't stop.

'Still... he's fighting one of the big families in this city. Even with his power, he can't win right now.'

Yet his feet refused to turn back.

'Why am I still walking? I don't even want to do this...'

But then... he remembered.

Rethrus' laugh echoed in his mind. Their moments in the dungeon. How Rethrus had taken him along... even though he could've easily left him behind.

'It would be nice... to be part of the chosen one's journey, I guess.'

Before he knew it, Gerard was standing in front of Kaeli's house.

He knocked on the door.

Eri opened it with a bright smile.

"Come in."

Gerard headed straight to the basement.

But when he got there... his eyes widened in shock.

"No... you didn't!!"